Shortly,
the hearse made a turn through the cemetery's old stone gate and the cortege
followed, passing between rows of flaming maple trees and ancient marble
monuments. Pat could see a tent set up beyond, somewhat apart for the
other graves.
"Annie
and I picked out a spot way up on the hill," Mac explained. "It seemed
so peaceful there, I hope it's all right." Mac stopped the car a short
distance behind the hearse, got out, opened his mother's door and took
her hand.
"This
is a beautiful spot," Pat agreed in hushed tones. "I'm grateful that you
two took care of finding the plot. I just couldn't. Your father can be
at peace here." She walked slowly toward the tent, her heels slipping
into the soft earth with each step.
Banging
car doors and a shrieking jay disturbed the somber silence. The crowd
began to gather near the flower-ringed casket positioned over a gaping
copper vault. Father Cooper waited until the last of the mourners made
the trudge from their cars, up the hill on foot, before beginning his
prayers.
"Heavenly
Father, we thank you for this glorious day, for this beautiful season
and for giving us Sam. He was truly a gift. But, as with all earthly gifts,
only temporary. So now, at your behest, we give him back to you." Sprinkling
the casket with holy water, he continued. "Earth to earth. Ashes to ashes.
Dust to dust."
Pat
gripped her mouth, squeezed her eyes and stifled a sob. Oh, God, she thought,
why? Why now? I don't want to give him back to you. I need him here, with
me.
The
shrillness of the ringing phone invaded her thoughts.
"Mrs.
McGrew?"
"Yes."
"This
is Ruth Simms at County Medical Center calling."
"Yes,
Ms. Simms, what can I do for you?"
"Is
Steven McGrew your husband?"
"Yes."
Pat
couldn't recall the next words. She couldn't even recollect hearing words.
She only remembered sensations: trembling in her legs, pounding in her
chest, coldness and an incredible emptiness. She sank to the floor in
despair.
"...Surely
goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell
in the house of the Lord forever." Father Cooper was nearly finished now.
"May
your soul, Sam, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the
mercy of God, rest in peace."
"Amen,"
responded the gathering.
"Yes,
rest, my love," Pat said, stepping forward, "until forever." And placing
a single red rose on the casket, she kissed the rich mahogany. She stepped
back, glanced at the crowd and murmured, "thank you all for coming." Then
turning, she walked back to the waiting car and lost all semblance of
control.
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